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10 Cheap Fast Cars in 2024

2020 Chevrolet Camaro / Photo Credit: Chevrolet
Chevrolet Camaro SS / Credit: Chevrolet

Fast Cars You Can Afford

Which cars offer the best performance for the money? That’s the question we set out to answer with this Cheap Fast Car ranking. Whether it is straight-line performance or agile handling in the bends, the following cars offer a lot for a little. These are listed from least expensive to most.

Some vehicles on this list may be from a previous model year but they are still available as new models. Sometimes automakers are slow to update specs and pricing. Other times they may be redesigning a model or have excess inventory.

How We Ranked These Cars


1. 2024 Chevrolet Camaro

2020 Chevrolet Camaro / Photo Credit: Chevrolet
2024 Chevrolet Camaro SS / Credit: Chevrolet
  • Price: $30,900
  • Type: 4-seat Coupe or Convertible
  • What We Like: One of the least expensive sports cars; excellent handling and a strong engine lineup
  • What We Don’t: Small interior with poor visibility

Like its arch-rival, the Ford Mustang, the Chevy Camaro is one of just a handful of modern cars with a muscle-car heritage. The Camaro’s accessible pricing also makes it a standout; it’s one of the least expensive sports cars you can buy.

The Camaro delivers an exciting drive, whether you choose the standard 335-horsepower V6 or the robust V8s. It also dials up the intensity with its impressive handling and athleticism.

The Camaro’s cabin is comfortable, but its interior quality is not as good as its competitors. Front-row passengers get supportive seats and plenty of elbow room, but the rear seats are best left for children. The Camaro comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Camaro?

The Camaro is in its 6th generation, introduced with the 2016 model. Chevy gave it a slight styling update in 2019, but any older 6th-generation model (2016-2023) will be broadly similar to the 2024 Camaro.


2. 2024 Ford Mustang

2024 Ford Mustang / Credit: Ford
2024 Ford Mustang / Credit: Ford
  • Price: $30,920
  • Type: 4-seat Coupe or Convertible
  • What We Like: Great performance bargain, enormous horsepower available
  • What We Don’t: Interior build quality and overall driving experience are not as refined as in other sports cars

With its lineup of potent powertrains, there’s likely a version of the iconic Ford Mustang that’ll suit your lifestyle. Its base trim pairs a 315-horsepower turbocharged engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is available with the optional 480-horsepower V8 in the Mustang GT trim. The Mustang Dark Horse trim bumps the V8 output to 500 horsepower, in addition to adding other track-focused goodies.

The Mustang has plenty of space for passengers up front, but adults will feel cramped in the back. If technology is high on your list, opt for a trim with the 13.2-inch infotainment system. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Shopping for a Used Mustang?

The Mustang is in its 7th generation, which debuted for 2024. Any 6th-generation model (2015-2023) will broadly resemble the Mustang above. Earlier models have blockier styling and less refined handling and interiors. The Mustang dates back to the 1960s, but those models are now expensive classic cars.


3. 2023 Toyota GR86

2022 Toyota GR86
2023 Toyota GR86 / Credit: Toyota
  • Price: $28,400
  • Type: 4-seat Coupe
  • What We Like: Simple controls, light and agile
  • What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars

The spry 2023 Toyota GR86 isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but it’s plenty of fun to drive. It draws 228 horsepower from a flat-4 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 86 stands out for its agility and responsive steering. Despite its budget price, the cabin has a mix of quality materials and rigid plastics. Its front seats are supportive and comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class, seating in the back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used GR86?

The GR86 was all new for 2022, but Toyota has sold similar sports cars by various names since 2013. It was previously known as the Toyota 86 (without the “GR”) (2017-2020) and the Scion FR-S (2013-2016). The 86 skipped the 2021 model year to prepare for its 2022 redesign. It heads into 2023 unchanged.


4. 2024 Subaru BRZ

2022 Subaru BRZ front exterior
2024 Subaru BRZ / Credit: Subaru
  • Price: $30,195
  • Type: 4-seat Coupe
  • What We Like: Inexpensive; simple controls; light and agile
  • What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars

The Subaru BRZ is essentially the same as the Toyota GR86, built side-by-side. The choice between the two comes down to brand preference. The GR86 only gets a slight edge because of its lower price.

Like the GR86, the Subaru BRZ stands out for its agility and responsive steering. It isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but it’s plenty of fun to drive. Its flat-4 engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and puts down 228 horsepower.

The cabin has solid build quality and simple controls, leaving the driver’s attention on the road ahead. Its front seats are supportive and comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class, seating in the back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used BRZ?

Subaru last redesigned the BRZ in 2022, and it hasn’t changed much since. The previous generation, which was less powerful but otherwise similar, ran from 2013 to 2020, skipping the 2021 model year.


5. 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2022 VW GTI
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI / Credit: Volkswagen
  • Price: $31,765
  • Type: Hatchback
  • What We Like: Best mix of fun and practicality
  • What We Don’t: Golf R trim is expensive

With a standard 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Golf GTI isn’t the most powerful hot hatchback on sale, but it’s a well-rounded option. The peppy engine offers an excellent throttle response and enjoyable acceleration. We’re fans of the smooth manual transmission, but the optional dual-clutch automatic provides sharp shifts and doesn’t sap any fun from the powertrain.

Around corners, the GTI offers nimble handling. Some hot hatchbacks require drivers to compromise comfort for performance, but that isn’t the case with the GTI. In addition to being enjoyable to drive, the GTI is smooth, refined, and comfortable, with a ride that won’t beat you up. Despite its compact size, the GTI offers 34.5 cubic feet of total cargo space.

The Golf R is an even more powerful version of the GTI with 315 horsepower and all-wheel drive (AWD). However, it’s costly for a compact hatchback – nearly as expensive as an Audi S3.

Shopping for a Used Volkswagen GTI?

Volkswagen redesigned the Golf GTI for 2022. However, VW has sold a GTI since 1974, so plenty of used options exist. The previous generation was introduced in 2015. A redesigned infotainment system with smartphone compatibility joined the lineup in 2016, as did more optional ADAS features. The 2-door model was discontinued in 2017, leaving only the 4-door hatchback. Volkswagen refreshed the GTI’s exterior and interior design for the 2018 model year. More standard safety features were added in 2020.


6. 2024 Subaru WRX

2022 Subaru WRX Front
2024 Subaru WRX / Credit: Subaru
  • Price: $32,735
  • Type: Sedan
  • What We Like: Fast and agile; decent price; still has a manual transmission
  • What We Don’t: Loud exhaust (not in a fun way); stiff ride

The Subaru WRX is a compact sports sedan with room for up to five people. It’s aimed at drivers who want a sporty, rally-inspired small car with a muscular engine, track-tuned suspension, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Its performance and bolder looks are more aggressive than those of a typical compact sedan, including the Subaru Impreza upon which it’s based.

The WRX offers taut handling and all-weather capability — plus a sporty interior and features — in a still-practical compact sedan. It also has a potent 271-horsepower engine.

Shopping for a Used WRX?

The WRX was last redesigned in 2022 and has seen incremental changes since. In previous model years, a higher-performance WRX STI was also available.


7. 2023 Dodge Challenger

2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
2023 Dodge Challenger / Credit: Dodge
  • Price: $30,940
  • Type: 4-seat Coupe
  • What We Like: Iconic styling; large interior and trunk; comfortable to cruise in; massive available V8 engines
  • What We Don’t: Heavy; not very agile

The 2022 Dodge Challenger is a beefy sports car with an impressive lineup of robust engine options, starting with the base model’s 303-horsepower V6 and climbing right up to the 807-horsepower supercharged Hellcat models. The Challenger emphasizes power, so it’s heavier and less agile than others in its class.

The interior is well-built and spacious, but the cabin looks less opulent than its rivals. It seats five people comfortably. All trims getApple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Uconnect 4 infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Challenger?

The Challenger is currently in its 3rd generation, debuting in 2008. Any older 3rd-generation model (2008-2022) will have styling similar to the 2023, the Challenger’s final model year. Dodge has added several engine and feature upgrades over the years. The Challenger name dates back to the classic muscle car era, but those models are now expensive collector’s items.


8. 2024 Toyota Camry TRD

Toyota Camry TRD Front
Toyota Camry TRD / Credit: Toyota
  • Price: $33,485
  • Type: Sedan
  • What We Like: Strong engine; excellent crash-test ratings; Toyota’s excellent reliability
  • What We Don’t: Styling may not be for everyone

The Toyota Camry TRD (for Toyota Racing Development) is the sportiest trim in the Camry lineup. It’s also a performance bargain, offering a potent 301-horsepower V6 engine for thousands less than other Camry trims. It has bold styling flourishes: a large rear spoiler and black wheels. Those may be a turnoff for some, but it’s still a Camry at its core, with the user-friendliness and quality that implies.

Shopping for a Used Camry?

The Camry TRD debuted in 2020. Most models from 2020 to 2024 will be similar.


9. 2024 Nissan Z

2024 Nissan Z
2024 Nissan Z / Credit: Nissan
  • Price: $42,210
  • Type: 2-Seat Coupe
  • What We Like: Nice price; powerful turbo V6
  • What We Don’t: Not as agile as rivals

Nissan keeps things simple by offering its Z sports car with just one engine: a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic transmission; all models are rear-wheel drive (RWD). 

The Z’s potent V6 delivers quick acceleration. The car leaps eagerly from a standstill, and power delivery is smooth and robust. The Z’s responsive handling is a good match for its power; the car is an agile partner on winding roads, and its steering is precise. And despite its sporty nature, the Z doesn’t feel overly firm in daily driving, with a ride smooth enough for everyday commutes. 

Though the Z’s handling is enjoyable, some cars in this class are even more impressive: Rivals like the Mazda Miata and Ford Mustang provide livelier and more engaging handling. Also, the Z has just 6.9 cubic feet of space in its trunk, so cargo capacity is minimal.

Shopping for a Used Nissan Z?

The Z introduced its seventh generation with the 2023 model. Older versions are available, but they differ from the current model in design and content.


10. 2024 Chevrolet Corvette

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray / Credit: Chevrolet
  • Price: $68,300
  • Type: 2-seat coupe or convertible
  • What We Like: Astonishing performance; great price; mid-engine design; beautiful interior
  • What We Don’t: Huge appetite for gas; small trunk

The iconic Chevy Corvette has sported a dramatic midengine configuration since 2020, which puts it in the company of exotic sports cars costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more. With its potent 490-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, acceleration is otherworldly.

The mid-engine layout and performance-tuned chassis mean the Corvette feels exhilarating around the track yet stays balanced on everyday drives. A 670-horsepower Corvette Z06 model is also available at a whopping $100,000+ price.

The Corvette has a striking interior design accented with leather and other premium materials. Seats are well-bolstered and supportive. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Corvette?

The Corvette is in its 8th generation, introduced with the 2020 model. Any 8th-generation model (2020-2023) will be broadly similar to the 2024 Corvette in design and feature content. Older Corvettes are front-engine but retain the classic recipe of V8, 2 seats, and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Corvettes date back to the 1950s, but older models in good condition will command classic car prices.


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How We Ranked These Cheap Fast Cars

At Carfax, data and value drive our vehicle rankings. To choose the best cars for this list, we looked at inexpensive vehicles offering top quality and performance for the money. They are in order of price, from lowest to highest. Our rankings are based on the latest models, but since many of these vehicles have remained unchanged from earlier years, our insights also apply to used models.


Cheapest Vehicles


If you have questions about this story, please contact us at Editors@carfax.com